Research Ethics and Data Security Guidelines

This assignment requires a researcher to complete a form outlining their adherence to research ethics and data protection policies. The form covers topics such as informed consent, participant debriefing, data storage and security, and ethical issues related to the research. The researcher must confirm that they have read and understood the institution's Research and Ethics Policy and have discussed the ethical issues with their Unit Tutor.

RESEARCH PROJECT
How social media can
influence customer buying
behaviour

Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................1
RESULTS/ FINDINGS...................................................................................................................2
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................15
RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................16
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20
.......................................................................................................................................................28

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Digital technology is one of the important electronic tool, device, resource and system as
it provide various opportunities to business organization to improve their productivity level at
market place. It includes various tools such as social media, multimedia, cloud computing and
mobile services. This research project is related to how social media can influence customer
buying behaviour. For this researcher use various methods to collect relevant information
towards the company and its services as well. Along with this, questionnaire also prepare by
investigator to take customers views towards the research aim. With the help of this investigator
can easily take final and valid conclusion in appropriate manner.
In addition of this, the main purpose of conducting research is to determine the impact of
social media on influencing the customers behaviour. With the help of this company can easily
evaluate customers needs and wants towards company products and services.
Along with this, for undertaking this study, research use inductive research through
which they easily gather relevant data and information about customers behaviour. In addition of
this, all the collected data also present in graphical way which help in understanding the
respondents views and opinion.
With the assistance of this, investigator easily draw a valid conclusion towards the social
media and influencing customers behaviour.
The research was valuable as it help in analysing various social media tools by which
products can be sell to the potential customers.

INTRODUCTION
As per current scenario, social media is one of the important platform which directly
influenced customers behaviour. By using social media, company can easily improve their
performance level by making string customer base. It also consider as an effective marketing tool
through which company can easily promote their services in front of customers. Along with this,
it also enhance opportunities for the company to invite large number of customers towards its
products and services. This part of research cover methodologies, results, findings and
discussion. All these are help in drawing valid conclusion towards the research objectives.
Research objectives:
 To identify impact of social media on consumer buying behaviour
 To identify impact of social media on business marketing strategies.
 To identify the changes social media has brought to consumers in different stages of their
decision making.
Background of the research:
Customers buying behaviour is one of the important aspect for business organization to
increase their overall performance level of the company. In this, company use social media with
the aim of interacting with their customers with the purpose of influencing them towards the
company products and services. Mainly social media an important platform in which number of
customers are influence to consume company products and services. This will increase overall
performance level of the company.
METHODOLOGY
For carry out the research, it is important for investigator to select right method for
collecting relevant data and information. In this, various type of methodologies and approaches
used by researcher with the purpose of executing activities. The research was carried in ethical
manner in which opinion of the customers were taking into consideration towards the social
media which directly influence their behaviour. Mainly there are two type of research methods
such as:
Qualitative research: This type of research is related with scientific method which
contribute in determining issues and problems towards the research. By using this, researcher
easily attaining set goals and objectives in appropriate manner. The findings was based on the
1

observation. In this, the researcher use qualitative method to understand the opinion of the
respondents and reason. With the help of this, they easily gather relevant data.
Quantitative research: This type of research is structures way in which researcher gather
data and information in effective manner. It relate with primarily exploratory research in which
researcher collect non-numerical data.
Primary Method: It is also an effective method for collecting data and information in
appropriate manner. In this, researcher conduct survey to prepare questionnaire for gathering
relevant data. Mainly it includes questionnaire, interview, survey. All these are appropriate for
investigator to take right decision. For this research, investigator use primary method to prepare
questionnaire with the purpose of gathering relevant information towards the research topic.
Secondary method: This method is also a effective for researcher to collect relevant data
and information in effective manner. As it relate with books, journals, articles and many more.
By using this investigator easily draw a valid conclusion.
Sampling: This is one of the important aspect which is highly relate with subset
population. In this researcher easily collect and examine collect data and information in
appropriate manner. In this there are two type of sampling method such as probabilistic and non-
probabilistic. Both are appropriate for researcher at the time of collecting research. For this
research, investigator use probabilistic method to select sample size to collect relevant data. In
this context, researcher select 100 respondents who are consume company products and services.
RESULTS/ FINDINGS
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Address:
Contact number (Mobile/Residence ) :
Q 1) Is customer behaviour get changes because of modification in product of company?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
2

Q 2) Which social media tool is effective that will help organisations in understanding the
perception of customers related to reputation of company?
a) Facebook
b) Instagram
c) LinkedIn
d) Twitter
Q 3) In modern world, is it necessary for companies to develop their own official site?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 4) Is social media helpful in creating effective marketing strategies?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 5) What are the barriers that can be seen within an organisation while making it
digitalised?
a) Resource investment
b) Too much data
c) Security of documents
d) Uniting people & technology
Q 6) Is it necessary for companies to take in use of social media tools in order to
understand the buying behaviour of customers?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 7) How implication of e-commerce put impact on performance of the company?
a) Improvement in customer base
b) Boost up profit margins
c) Promotion of brand
Q 8) What do you think about e-commerce, is it helpful for companies in improving their
customer base?
a) Highly agree
b) Agree
c) Disagree
3

d) Highly disagree
Q 9) Can social media help a company in enhancing their business at international level?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 10) Can social media put impact on buying behaviour of customers?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 11) Are you aware of the concept of Social media?
a) Aware
b) Little knowledge
C) Not aware
Q 12) Is there any chance improvements that can be made by social media under e-
commerce section of an organisation?
a) Sale gets increases.
b) Develop Long term relations with customers
Q 13) How much satisfied you are with communication which is being provided by Social
media by organisational houses?
a) Fully satisfied
b) Satisfied
c) Not satisfied
Q14) Is social media helpful attracting high number of customers towards products and
services of an organisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 15) Recommendations for improvement in near future?
Findings and discussions
Theme 1 :- Changes in customer buying behaviour because of modification in product of
company
4

Q1) Is customer behaviour get changes because
of modification in product of company?
Frequency
a) Agree 63
b) Disagree 37
Interpretation : With the help of above mentioned graph it is identified that high number
of customers were in favour of changes that company makes in its existing products. 63
consumers agreed and said that behaviour of users can get altered because of alterations among
products and services. On the other hand, 37 people were not in favour of this and stated that
company may reduce its productivity as well if they start making changes in their items and
products of organisation. Therefore, it became vital for business firms to take in use of different
approaches related to social media through which many benefits a company can easily gain right
on time.
Theme 2 :- Effectiveness of social media tools
Q2) Which social media tool is effective that
will help organisations in understanding the
perception of customers related to reputation of
company?
Frequency
Facebook 55
Instagram 20
5
a) Agree
b) Disagree
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Column B

LinkedIn 15
Twitter 10
Interpretation : Through looking at preceding graph, it is being concluded that most
effective tool is Facebook that can be helpful for companies in understanding the behaviour of
customers and can easily get to know about how they feel about the company and its products.
55 respondents were in favour of Facebook and stated that Facebook can easily help
organisations in getting informations related to customer's perceptions. On the other hand, 20 of
them said that Instagram is also helpful which may aid in understanding the behaviour of
consumers related to reputation of a company. 15 were in favour of LinkedIn and only 10
mentioned that Twitter will help in many ways to the company.
Theme 3 :- Need of developing official sites
Q3) In modern world, is it necessary for
companies to develop their own official site?
Frequency
Yes 55
No 45
6
55
20
15
10
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter

Interpretation : In above graph, only 55 respondents were in favour of developing own
official website of an organisation. They have given a reason that, in modern world it is much
required for business corporations to become digitalised so that many benefits can easily be
gained right on time. With the help of this, company can store information related to customers
for a longer period of time in their own data bases. Apart from this, 45 out of 100 have
mentioned that there is not need of developing a website as it will only increase their expenses.
Theme 4 :- Use of social media in developing marketing strategies
Q4) Is social media helpful in creating
effective marketing strategies?
Frequency
Agree 67
Disagree 33
Interpretation : With the help of above graph where it can be seen that, 67 respondents
(customers) agreed that social media can easily help an organisation in creating effective
7
55
45 Yes
No
Agree Disagree
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
67
33
Column B

marketing strategies. On the other hand, 33 out of 100 customers were not in favour of same
things and mentioned that companies needs to follow traditional approaches through which many
benefits they can easily gain right on time. On the other hand, they have also mentioned that use
of social media may put positive impact on productivity along with profitability. It is much
necessary for business firms to become digitalised so that proper benefits can easily be gained by
them.
Theme 5 :- Barriers while making company digitalised
Q5) What are the barriers that can be seen
within an organisation while making it
digitalised?
Frequency
Resource investment 40
Too much data 20
Security of documents 30
Uniting people & technology 10
Interpretation : In preceding graph, it is being found that around social media can affect
resources of a business firm because they have to make investments on them. In this context, 40
respondents have given answer as organisations needs to look into their investments. Apart from
this, 30 people have stated that information of company or gathered information related to
customers can become less secure because of high chances related to hack. On the other hand,
8
40
20
30
10
Resource investment
Too much data
Security of documents
Uniting people & technology

rest of respondents said that too much data and uniting people along with technology can be
considered as an issue which may put impact on organisations behaviour.
Theme 6 :- Use of digital technology in understanding the buying behaviour of customers
Q6) Is it necessary for companies to take in use
of social media tools in order to understand the
buying behaviour of customers?
Frequency
Yes 65
No 35
Interpretation : With the help of above graph, it can be said that social media tools are
very much helpful in understanding the concepts and behaviour customers. Here, 65 respondents
have mentioned that social media tools can be helpful in buying behaviour of consumers. Digital
technology plays a crucial role in modern business world. When it comes to gain competitive
advantages organisation can use effective tools and techniques related to digital technology.
With the help of above graph, it can be said that company may grab good position through which
development in products and services can easily be done. Apart from this, 35 respondent said no
that company many not get appropriate knowledge related to customers right on time using
social media tools.
Theme 7 :- Implication of e-commerce putting impact on performance of company
Q7) How implication of e-commerce put
impact on performance of the company?
Frequency
9
65
35
Yes
No

Improvement in customer base 50
Boost up profit margins 25
Promotion of brand 25
Interpretation : E-commerce is can be denote as Electronic Commerce which assist
company in doing commercial transaction in which entire process is done through internet. It
helps organisation in covering various different aspects in terms of areas and different places.
With the help of the above graph that is represented graph it can be evaluated that according to
the respondents 50 of them are saying that e-commerce has helped company in improving their
customer's base. Whereas 25 out of 100 respondents are agreeing with the fact that it has raised
profit margins and lastly, as per 25 answerers it can be evaluated that maximum number of
companies are using e-commerce for promoting their brands for increasing its sales and
profitability.
Theme 8 :- E-commerce and its helpfulness over companies in improving their customer
base
Q8) What do you think about e-commerce, is it
helpful for companies in improving their
customer base?
Frequency
Highly agree 40
Agree 20
10
50
25
25
Improvement in customer
base
Boost up profit margins
Promotion of brand

Disagree 30
Highly disagree 10
Interpretation : Customer base is what which shows where the company stands at
market area, for example: if for a company has a large number of consumers and they prefer to
purchase products from their stores than it is in a better position and if it is not than vice-versa.
From the above mentioned graph it can be concluded that according to 40 respondents they have
chosen highly agree which means e-commerce is helpful in increasing customer's base. Whereas
20 and 30 out of 100 respondents have selected agree and disagree respectively. Rest, 10 of them
don't think that e-commerce provides with any kind of benefits while improving their customer's
base.
Theme 9 :- Social media is helping company in enhancing their business at international
level
Q9) Can social media help a company in
enhancing their business at international level?
Frequency
Yes 75
No 25
11
40
20
30
10
Highly agree
Agree
Disagree
Highly disagree

Interpretation : Social media according to recent time is the most used sites by people
in order to communicate with one another with just one click. It has reduced the cost price of
marketing and promoting activities. Company can interact with customers or with other business
partners nationally and internationally as well. Therefore, from the above represented graph it
can be evaluated that as per the 75 respondents they are agreeing with the fact that “Yes”, social
media plays a crucial role in enchaining their business at international level whereas rest 25 are
saying “No”, which means according to them company is not getting any benefits in terms of
enhancing their business at international level.
Theme 10 :- Impact of social media
Q 1) Can social media put impact on buying
behaviour of customers?
Frequency
Yes 75
No 25
12
Yes
No
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Column B
75
25
Yes
No

Interpretation : From above mentioned graph, it has been concluded that social media
carries an ability of putting impact on customer's buying behaviour. Here, 75 respondents have
stated that social media like Facebook, Instagram and other tools can directly change mind of
customers because they may start buying products and services of a company while sitting at
their home only. Rest of them 25 out of 100 users mentioned that social media is not a media in
which we can believe because it show quality products but what they send at their home of low
quality and they should purchase goods and other things from outlets of organisation.
Theme 11 :- Concept of Social media
Q 11) Are you aware of the concept of Social
media?
Frequency
a) Aware 40
b) Little knowledge 25
c) Not aware 35
Interpretation : Information which is being gathered with the help of above graph is that
around 40 respondent are only who carries knowledge related to social media. On the other hand,
35 were not aware about it and 25 stated that they only have a little knowledge. Therefore, it can
be said that it may or may not cost much to company if they take in use of social media as only
few people carrying a good knowledge of social media and knows about its concepts. On the
other hand, it has also been found that company needs to make changes in their marketing
strategies through which their brand image can be maintained in front of targeted market.
13
40
25
35
a) Aware
b) Little knowledge
c) Not aware

Theme 12 :- Improvements by social media in e-commerce
Q 12) Is there any sort of improvements can be
made by social media under e-commerce
section of an organisation?
Frequency
a) Sale gets increases 78
b) Long term relations with customers 22
Interpretation : Looking at the graph, it can be said that social media plays vital role in
enhancing business of e-commerce companies. 78 customers have mentioned that e-commerce
business firms can directly improve their sales of commodities. Apart from this, 22 out of
hundred people mentioned that company may get into trouble if they will try to adopt social
media tool in order to promote their products and services.
Theme 13 :- Communication provided by Social media in organisational houses
Q 13) How much satisfied you are with
communication which is being provided by
Social media by organisational houses?
Frequency
a) Fully satisfied 56
b) Not satisfied 44
14
a) Sale gets increases
b) Long term relations with customers
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Column B

Interpretation : After looking at the graph, it can be said that few of people were fully
satisfied and few of them were not. If we look into the stats it is being found that 56 people were
satisfied and stated that social media is helpful in bettering the communication process. On the
other hand, rest of them (44 respondents) have mentioned that they were not satisfied as social
media may bring complexness within an organisation. Therefore, with this question it wouldn't
become much clear that company can gain competitive advantages or not through which many
benefits can easily be gained right on time.
Theme 14 :- Social media helps in enhance customer base
Q14) Is social media helpful attracting high
number of customers towards products and
services of an organisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 65
b) No 35
15
56
44
a) Fully satisfied
b) Not satisfied
65
35
a) Yes
b) No

Interpretation : After looking at the graph, it can be said that company may easily gain
many advancements if they will appropriately use social media. 65 respondents were in favour of
this social media and stated that in new era people stay on social websites where they interact
with each other. On the other hand, 35 mentioned that it may not put much impact on customer
base if organisation would not take in use of social media or implement strategies right on time.
CONCLUSION
As per above research it has been concluded that social media gave high impact on
consumers buying decisions. It is used by large numbers of peoples within the market due to that
it is rapidly taking place within the persons. As organisations are promoting their products and
services by using social media. As know a days peoples are buying goods through online
websites of the companies by using their smartphones. Business are also making their e-
commerce sites for enhancing their online enterprise which aid in attracting higher numbers of
customers. As peoples are very much involved in social networking and due to this it covers
large area of doing advertisement and marketing of their goods and services. This will influence
peoples to buy the goods online which aid in enhancing sales and productivity of an business.
Customers behaviour is also get impact on buying decisions. Their are various factors that gave
impact on buying behaviours of an particular product which are psychological behaviour, social,
demographic and so on. Buying behaviour of consumers also gave impact due to their taste and
preferences. If customers have given a negative review on companies online websites then it will
effect the reputation of the company as well. This research contain various objectives which are
is to find out the influence of social media on business marketing strategies and customer buying
behaviour. In this, it also involve the literature review in which they evaluated that digital
evolution had changed the whole process of accomplishing business within the marketplace. As
know a days youngsters are very much engage in social networking which aid in attracting large
numbers of customers by the enterprise.
It gave a very huge impact on customers behaviour as well as decisions. It is mainly
depends on buyers needs and demands. Organisation are mainly concentrating on digital
technology for attracting large numbers of buyers towards their business. In this it also include
the research methodology in which they understand about the research design which is mainly
divided within two parts which are conclusive and exploratory and this research is based on
exploratory. In this they had used the inductive method of research. In this they are using random
16

data sampling within their research work. Their are two types of data analysis but in this they are
using quantitative techniques which help them in converting raw material into a useful data and
information. In this they had also shown the timescale of this research. In this research, social
media gave influence on customer buying behaviour. It is analysed through the data analysis and
its interpretation. In the data analysis they had consider the different process that consists several
things which are purifying, inspection, changing with the information which is linked to
objectives created by researcher. In this they prepared a questionnaire which are filled by various
employees of the company and then conduct an interpretation of all the questionnaire which aid
in finding out particular conclusion of specific topic. At last, social media is giving a higher
impact on customers buying decisions and it is mainly used by several peoples know a days. It is
rapidly taking place within the market.
RECOMMENDATION
With the help of above mentioned research, there are ample number of recommendations
that has been made through which many benefits that can easily be gained right on time. It is
required for business firms to take in use of social media and keep on making updates in it
through which many benefits can easily be gained in much effective and efficient manner. With
the help of cloud computing and other social media tools, firm can easily store date for a longer
period of time and use it whenever it is needed. Social media is carrying many beneficial features
which can support firms in many ways like managers and leaders can pull out heavy information
which is related to specific goals and objectives through which many benefits can easily be
gained right on time. On the other hand, utilisation of technology can bring up chances
malfunctioning therefore, it is much required for business firms to regularly keep an eye on all
the safety measures. It has been found that, because of social media, companies are changing
customer's buying behaviour which is helping both business organisations and to consumers as
well and it helped them in hitting their own targets which aid them in giving quality products to
customers so that their experience can get improved.
17

APPENDIX
Q 1) Is customer behaviour get changes because of modification in product of company?
a) Agree 63
b) Disagree 37
Q2) Which social media tool is effective that will help organisations in understanding the
perception of customers related to reputation of company?
a) Facebook 55
b) Instagram 20
c) LinkedIn 15
d) Twitter 10
Q3) In modern world, is it necessary for companies to develop their own official site?
a) Yes 55
b) No 45
Q4) Is social media helpful in creating effective marketing strategies?
a) Agree 67
b) Disagree 33
Q5) What are the barriers that can be seen within an organisation while making it
digitalised?
a) Resource investment 40
b) Too much data 20
c) Security of documents 30
d) Uniting people & technology 10
Q6) Is it necessary for companies to take in use of social media tools in order to
understand the buying behaviour of customers?
18

a) Yes 65
b) No 35
Q7) How implication of e-commerce put impact on performance of the company?
a) Improvement in customer base 50
b) Boost up profit margins 25
c) Promotion of brand 25
Q8) What do you think about e-commerce, is it helpful for companies in improving their
customer base?
a) Highly agree 40
b) Agree 20
c) Disagree 30
d) Highly disagree 10
Q9) Can social media help a company in enhancing their business at international level?
a) Yes 75
b) No 25
Q10) Can social media put impact on buying behaviour of customers?
a) Yes 75
b) No 25
Q 11) Are you aware of the concept of Social media?
a) Aware 40
b) Little knowledge 25
c) Not aware 35
Q 12) Is there any sort of improvements can be made by social media under e-commerce
section of an organisation?
a) Sale gets increases 78
19

b) Long term relations with customers 22
Q 13) How much satisfied you are with communication which is being provided by Social
media by organisational houses?
a) Fully satisfied 56
b) Not satisfied 44
Q14) Is social media helpful attracting high number of customers towards products and
services of an organisation?
a) Yes 65
b) No 35
20

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aral, S., Dellarocas, C. and Godes, D., 2013. Introduction to the special issue—social media and
business transformation: a framework for research. Information Systems Research.24(1).
pp.3-13.
Ayeh, J. K. And et. al., 2012. Perceptions and strategies of hospitality and tourism practitioners
on social media: An exploratory study (pp. 1-12). na.
Bruhn, M., Schoenmueller, V. and Schäfer, D. B., 2012. Are social media replacing traditional
media in terms of brand equity creation?. Management Research Review. 35(9). pp.770-
790.
Fotis, J., Buhalis, D. and Rossides, N., 2012. Social media use and impact during the holiday
travel planning process (pp. 13-24). Springer-Verlag.
Goh, K. Y., Heng, C. S. and Lin, Z., 2013. Social media brand community and consumer
behavior: Quantifying the relative impact of user-and marketer-generated
content. Information Systems Research. 24(1).pp.88-107.
Hutter, K. and et. al., 2013. The impact of user interactions in social media on brand awareness
and purchase intention: the case of MINI on Facebook. Journal of Product & Brand
Management. 22(5/6). pp.342-351.
Korda, H. and Itani, Z., 2013. Harnessing social media for health promotion and behavior
change. Health promotion practice. 14(1). pp.15-23.
Leung, D. and et. al., 2013. Social media in tourism and hospitality: A literature review. Journal
of travel & tourism marketing. 30(1-2). pp.3-22.
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22

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID:
______________________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date:
___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: ______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question,
objective or hypothesis) “The impact of digital technology on SME’s.Research
objectives (e.g what is the question you want to answer? What do you
want to learn how to do? What do you want to find out?):
 To identify impact of social media on consumer buying behaviour
 To identify impact of social media on business marketing strategies.
 To identify the changes social media has brought to consumers in different stages of their
decision making.
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you are
studying, personal interest, future plans, knowledge/skills you want to
improve, why the topic is important):
The reason behind choosing this research project is to look into different aspects which is related to
impact of social media on customer's buying behaviour.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Aral, S., Dellarocas, C. and Godes, D., 2013. Introduction to the special issue—social media and
business transformation: a framework for research. Information Systems Research.24(1). pp.3-
13.
Ayeh, J. K. And et. al., 2012. Perceptions and strategies of hospitality and tourism practitioners on
social media: An exploratory study (pp. 1-12). na.
23

Bruhn, M., Schoenmueller, V. and Schäfer, D. B., 2012. Are social media replacing traditional media in
terms of brand equity creation?. Management Research Review. 35(9). pp.770-790.
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project
(e.g research, development and analysis of ideas,
writing, data collection, numerical analysis, tutor
meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation,
writing the report):
Activity 1the
to 2nd
Week
3rd.
to
4th
Week
5
the
to
6th
Week
7the
to
8
the
Week
9the
to
10
the
Week
11
the
to
12
the
Week
13the
to
14
the
Week
15
the
to
16ht
Week
Identify
research topic
Review of
Literature
Drafting
Methodologies
Complete
Proposal
How long this
will take:
24

Design question
and pilot
research
Documentation
of records
Analysing data
and
interpretation
Discussion and
Conclusion
Final Report
Editing &
Completion
Milestone one: _________________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: _______________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use
and why?
Research methodology plays a crucial role because, gives an insight about the situation that is how
social media has influenced customer buying behaviour. It will help in providing different factors that
affect people behaviour while purchasing a product. The aim is using this design is only giving a brief
overview of how social media is considered as important source. Also, why people behaviour changes
when they read reviews on social media and how they react to it.
What your areas of research will cover:
Under this, investigator will look into different areas through which researcher can come to a conclusion
25

which is related to specific goals and objectives related to impact of social media on customer's buying
behaviour.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted
for another qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV)
Date
Research Ethics approval form
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title:
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
26

College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews No
 Questionnaires Yes
 Observations No
 Use of personal records No
 Data Analysis Yes
 Action Research Yes
 Focus Groups No
 Others (Please specify) :
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults:
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
The participants will be recruit through random sampling method.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are
doing:
By using television, social media, television and many others.
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it
be made clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at
any time?
I will obtain the consent from different respondents through preparing the questionnaire. It can
be in written form as well as email.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting
questions that do not wish to answer?
Yes No
If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues
arising from this
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Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for
their informed consent to be observed.
Yes No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief
explanation of the study)?
Yes No
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This
could be a brief summary of your findings in general)
Yes No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with
the Data Protection Act (1998)
Yes No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Top management of company and investigator
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
In my personal computer
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes No
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
In my personal computer
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Almost for 2 years
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical
concerns? If so, please outline how you will deal with these:
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